Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof

ABSTRACT

A watch terminal including a memory; at least one of a sensor; a touchscreen configured to receive a touch input from a user, wherein a rim of the touchscreen has a specific shape; a wireless communication unit configured to pair with at least one of an external terminal; and a controller coupled to the memory, the at least one of the sensor, the touchscreen and the wireless communication unit. Further, the controller is configured to control the wireless communication unit to transmit a control signal to a specific external terminal currently operating in a presentation mode among the at least one of the external terminal, control the touchscreen to output a counting indicator indicating a current page with a total page in the presentation mode, control the touchscreen to output a circular progress indicator indicating a progress status of the current page among the total page on a circular rim of the touchscreen, and provide a warning feedback when it exceeds a set target time during the presentation mode.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.14/806,363, filed on Jul. 22, 2015, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119(a) to Application No. 10-2015-0047546, filed in Republic ofKorea on Apr. 3, 2015, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated byreference into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and moreparticularly, to a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof.Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope ofapplications, it is particularly suitable for facilitating the use of aterminal in further consideration of user's convenience.

Discussion of the Related Art

A mobile terminal is a device which may be configured to perform variousfunctions. Examples of such functions include data and voicecommunications, capturing images and video via a camera, recordingaudio, playing music files and outputting music via a speaker system,and displaying images and video on a display. Some terminals includeadditional functionality which supports game playing, while otherterminals are also configured as multimedia players. More recently,mobile terminals have been configured to receive broadcast and multicastsignals which permit viewing of contents, such as videos and televisionprograms.

Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile terminals andstationary terminals according to a presence or non-presence ofmobility. And, the mobile terminals can be further classified intohandheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals according to availabilityfor hand-carry.

There are ongoing efforts to support and increase the functionality ofmobile terminals. Such efforts include software and hardwareimprovements, as well as changes and improvements in the structuralcomponents which form the mobile terminal.

The recent tendency of a mobile terminal market attempts to developmobile terminals of various types to meet the diversity of theconsumer's needs. The types of the developed mobile terminals arefocused on the configuration that can emphasize the portability of themobile terminal. The mobile terminal types for high portability caninclude such a type wearable on a user's body as a watch type, a glassestype, a necklace type and the like and are called wearable mobileterminals.

Considering the fact that a wearable mobile terminal is worn on a user'sbody, there are various ways for utilizing the fact. Particularly, sincea wearable mobile terminal is able to exchange data with an externalmobile terminal, it may be able to play a role as a remote controllercapable of controlling the external mobile terminal. Thus, the demandfor researching and developing a control method of controlling anexternal mobile terminal more appropriately and effectively by utilizinga wearable mobile terminal is increasingly rising.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to amobile terminal and controlling method thereof that substantiallyobviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of therelated art.

One object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal andcontrolling method thereof, by which an operation of controlling anexternal mobile terminal is facilitated based on an intuitive gesture ofa user.

Technical tasks obtainable from the present invention are non-limited bythe above-mentioned technical tasks. And, other unmentioned technicaltasks can be clearly understood from the following description by thosehaving ordinary skill in the technical field to which the presentinvention pertains.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will beset forth in the disclosure herein as well as the accompanying drawings.Such aspects may also be appreciated by those skilled in the art basedon the disclosure herein.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, amobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention mayinclude a touchscreen, a wireless communication unit configured totransceive data with an external terminal, a sensing unit configured todetect a rotation of the mobile terminal, a user input unit configuredto receive an input of a gesture command from a user, and a controllercontrolling the external terminal in 1^(st) operating mode based on thereceived input of the gesture command, the controller controlling thetouchscreen to output at least one control button for controlling theexternal terminal in 2^(nd) operating mode, the controller switching the1^(st) operating mode and the 2^(nd) operating mode to each other basedon the detected rotation.

In another aspect of the present invention, as embodied and broadlydescribed herein, a method of controlling a mobile terminal according toanother embodiment of the present invention may include the steps ofreceiving an input of a gesture command from a user, controlling anexternal terminal in 1^(st) operating mode based on the received inputof the gesture command, controlling a touchscreen to output at least onecontrol button for controlling the external terminal in 2^(nd) operatingmode, and switching the 1^(st) operating mode and the 2^(nd) operatingmode to each other based on a detected rotation of the mobile terminal.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended toprovide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings,which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of thepresent invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions;

FIG. 2 is a conceptual view of a wearable mobile terminal according toanother alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for a control method of detecting a rotation of awatch terminal 300 and then switching one operating mode to anotheroperating mode based on a result of the detection according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for one example of a laser pointer providedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams for a control method of determining alocation of a screen based on a rotational angle of a watch terminal 300according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram for a method of designating an activated regionaccording to a 1^(st) embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for a method of designating an activated regionaccording to a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for a control method of changing an activated regionin response to a movement of a user location according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for another example of switching a mode manuallyaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for an inter-mode switching feedback control methodaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram for a control method of activating a laser pointeraccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram for a control method of inputting a click commandto an external terminal using a finger gesture according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram for a control method of inputting a right clickcommand to an external terminal using a finger gesture according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram for a control method of inputting a scroll controlcommand to a paired external terminal (e.g., a personal computer, etc.)according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram for a control method of inputting a previous/nextpage command to a paired external terminal (e.g., a personal computer,etc.) according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram for a control method of changing a type of a laserpointer based on a gesture according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram for an underlining control method using a laserpointer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram for one example of a control button outputted inremote mode according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a diagram for a control method of assisting a presentationtime to be adjusted according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram for a control method in case of an elapse of atarget presentation time according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 is a diagram for a control method of switching a mode based on adistance from a keyboard according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is a diagram for a control method of switching a mouse mode anda basic mode to each other according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a diagram for a control method of running a mouse mode usinga mobile terminal 100 of a general bar type according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are diagrams for a control method of distinguishingleft/right click using a sound/pattern of tapping at a floor with afinger according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are diagrams for a control method of distinguishingleft/right click using a mobile terminal 100 of a bar type according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 29 to 31 are diagrams for a control method of moving to aprevious/next data according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a diagram for a control method of selecting a prescribedexternal terminal from a plurality of external terminals according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a diagram for switching a mode in a TV designated stateaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a diagram for switching a mode in an air conditionerdesignated state according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 are diagrams of functions applicable to eachexternal terminal and gestures for applying the corresponding functions;

FIG. 37 is a diagram for a control method of outputting a guideindicator in a state that a TV 3301 is designated according to oneembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 38 is a diagram for a control method of outputting a guideindicator in a state that an air conditioner 3302 is designatedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to thedrawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with thesame reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. Ingeneral, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer toelements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intendedto facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself isnot intended to give any special meaning or function. In the presentdisclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in therelevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. Theaccompanying drawings are used to help easily understand varioustechnical features and it should be understood that the embodimentspresented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such,the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations,equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularlyset out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may beused herein to describe various elements, these elements should not belimited by these terms. These terms are generally only used todistinguish one element from another.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected with” another element, the element can be connected with theother element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with”another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless itrepresents a definitely different meaning from the context.

Terms such as “include” or “has” are used herein and should beunderstood that they are intended to indicate an existence of severalcomponents, functions or steps, disclosed in the specification, and itis also understood that greater or fewer components, functions, or stepsmay likewise be utilized.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety ofdifferent types of terminals. Examples of such terminals includecellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slatePCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smartwatches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be madewith reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, suchteachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those typesnoted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied tostationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and thelike.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C, where FIG. 1A is a block diagramof a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, andFIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an outputunit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and apower supply unit 190. It is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement, and that greater or fewercomponents may alternatively be implemented. Referring now to FIG. 1A,the mobile terminal 100 is shown having wireless communication unit 110configured with several commonly implemented components.

The wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or moremodules which permit communications such as wireless communicationsbetween the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system,communications between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobileterminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100 and an externalserver. Further, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includesone or more modules which connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or morenetworks.

To facilitate such communications, the wireless communication unit 110includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobilecommunication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-rangecommunication module 114, and a location information module 115.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video,a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input device for inputtingan audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, apush key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing auser to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, andthe like) is obtained by the input unit 120 and may be analyzed andprocessed by controller 180 according to device parameters, usercommands, and combinations thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensorsconfigured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, thesurrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, andthe like. For example, in FIG. 1A, the sensing unit 140 is shown havinga proximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142. If desired, thesensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionally include other typesof sensors or devices, such as a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, amagnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGBsensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, a ultrasonicsensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera 121), a microphone 122, abattery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, ahygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermalsensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and a chemical sensor (forexample, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor,and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal 100 may be configuredto utilize information obtained from sensing unit 140, and inparticular, information obtained from one or more sensors of the sensingunit 140, and combinations thereof.

The output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types ofinformation, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. Theoutput unit 150 is shown having a display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output module 154. Thedisplay unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or an integratedstructure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen. Thetouch screen may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100 and a user, as well as function as the user input unit 123 whichprovides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and theuser.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types ofexternal devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Theinterface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired or wirelessports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may performassorted control functions associated with a connected external device,in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support variousfunctions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thememory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed inthe mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for operations of themobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of these application programsmay be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the casefor basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving acall, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and thelike). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by thecontroller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the mobileterminal 100.

The controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation ofthe mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations associated withthe application programs. The controller 180 processes signals, data,informations and the like inputted or outputted through theabove-mentioned components and/or runs application programs saved in thememory 170, thereby processing or providing a user with appropriateinformations and/or functions.

The controller 180 may provide or process information or functionsappropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and thelike, which are input or output by the various components depicted inFIG. 1A, or activating application programs stored in the memory 170. Asone example, the controller 180 controls some or all of the componentsillustrated in FIG. 1A according to the execution of an applicationprogram that have been stored in the memory 170.

The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power orprovide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required foroperating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100.The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may beconfigured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to bedetachable from the terminal body.

At least one portion of the respective components mentioned in theforegoing description can cooperatively operate to embody operations,controls or controlling methods of the mobile terminal according tovarious embodiments of the present invention mentioned in the followingdescription. Moreover, the operations, controls or controlling methodsof the mobile terminal can be embodied in the mobile terminal by runningat least one or more application programs saved in the memory 170.

Referring still to FIG. 1A, various components depicted in this figurewill now be described in more detail.

Regarding the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast receivingmodule 111 is typically configured to receive a broadcast signal and/orbroadcast associated information from an external broadcast managingentity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include asatellite channel, a terrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments,two or more broadcast receiving modules 111 may be utilized tofacilitate simultaneously receiving of two or more broadcast channels,or to support switching among broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or receive wirelesssignals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of anetwork entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, aserver, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobilecommunication network, which is constructed according to technicalstandards or communication methods for mobile communications (forexample, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code DivisionMulti Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO(Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WidebandCDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (HighSpeed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long TermEvolution-Advanced), and the like).

Examples of wireless signals transmitted and/or received via the mobilecommunication module 112 include audio call signals, video (telephony)call signals, or various formats of data to support communication oftext and multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate wirelessInternet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled tothe mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmitand/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according towireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA),HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE),LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like. The wirelessInternet module 113 may transmit/receive data according to one or moreof such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologiesas well.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implementedaccording to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE,LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, thewireless Internet module 113 performs such wireless Internet access. Assuch, the Internet module 113 may cooperate with, or function as, themobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is configured to facilitateshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing suchshort-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio FrequencyIDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand(UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity(Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), andthe like. The short-range communication module 114 in general supportswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal 100, or communications between the mobileterminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an externalserver) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of thewireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be configuredsimilarly to mobile terminal 100) may be a wearable device, for example,a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which isable to exchange data with the mobile terminal 100 (or otherwisecooperate with the mobile terminal 100). The short-range communicationmodule 114 may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permitcommunication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal 100.In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which isauthenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, thecontroller 180, for example, may cause transmission of data processed inthe mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-rangecommunication module 114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may usethe data processed in the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable device.For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal 100, theuser may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a messageis received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can check the receivedmessage using the wearable device.

The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect,calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobileterminal. As an example, the location information module 115 includes aGlobal Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. Ifdesired, the location information module 115 may alternatively oradditionally function with any of the other modules of the wirelesscommunication unit 110 to obtain data related to the position of themobile terminal. As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPSmodule, a position of the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signalsent from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminaluses the Wi-Fi module, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquiredbased on information related to a wireless access point (AP) whichtransmits or receives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The input unit 120 may be configured to permit various types of input tothe mobile terminal 120. Examples of such input include audio, image,video, data, and user input. Image and video input is often obtainedusing one or more cameras 121. Such cameras 121 may process image framesof still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or imagecapture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121 may bearranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of imageshaving various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras 121 may be located in astereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images forimplementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio input to themobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed in various mannersaccording to a function being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Ifdesired, the microphone 122 may include assorted noise removingalgorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receivingthe external audio.

The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by a user.Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control operation ofthe mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may include one or moreof a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button located on afront and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal 100,a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or atouch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitiveinput may be a virtual key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touchscreen through software processing, or a touch key which is located onthe mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen.On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed onthe touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon,video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or more ofinternal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environmentinformation of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like. Thecontroller 180 generally cooperates with the sending unit 140 to controloperation of the mobile terminal 100 or execute data processing, afunction or an operation associated with an application programinstalled in the mobile terminal based on the sensing provided by thesensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may be implemented using any of avariety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a sensor to sense presence orabsence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near asurface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the likewithout a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be arrangedat an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen,or near the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a transmissivetype photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectricsensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequencyoscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, amagnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, andthe like. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type,the proximity sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative tothe touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which isresponsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case,the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximitysensor.

The term “proximity touch” will often be referred to herein to denotethe scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to thetouch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term “contacttouch” will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in whicha pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the positioncorresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to thetouch screen, such position will correspond to a position where thepointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example,distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and thelike).

In general, controller 180 processes data corresponding to proximitytouches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor 141,and cause output of visual information on the touch screen. In addition,the controller 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 to executedifferent operations or process different data according to whether atouch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either a proximitytouch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch screen, such asdisplay unit 151, using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples ofsuch touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, aninfrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others. As one example,the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes of pressureapplied to a specific part of the display unit 151, or convertcapacitance occurring at a specific part of the display unit 151, intoelectric input signals. The touch sensor may also be configured to sensenot only a touched position and a touched area, but also touch pressureand/or touch capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply atouch input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objectsinclude a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signalsmay be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller mayprocess the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may sense whichregion of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touchcontroller may be a component separate from the controller 180, thecontroller 180, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller 180 may execute the same ordifferent controls according to a type of touch object that touches thetouch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen.Whether to execute the same or different control according to the objectwhich provides a touch input may be decided based on a current operatingstate of the mobile terminal 100 or a currently executed applicationprogram, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implementedindividually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Suchtouches includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, adrag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipetouch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognizeposition information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves.The controller 180, for example, may calculate a position of a wavegeneration source based on information sensed by an illumination sensorand a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster thanultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the opticalsensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wavereaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generationsource may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position ofthe wave generation source may be calculated using the time differencefrom the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on thelight as a reference signal.

The camera 121 typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD,CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow detection of atouch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. Thephoto sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the displaydevice. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of thephysical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, thephoto sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows andcolumns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electricalsignal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely,the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical objectaccording to variation of light to thus obtain position information ofthe physical object.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be implemented as astereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images.

A typical stereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic displayscheme such as a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), anauto-stereoscopic scheme (glassless scheme), a projection scheme(holographic scheme), or the like.

The audio output module 152 is generally configured to output audiodata. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a number of differentsources, such that the audio data may be received from the wirelesscommunication unit 110 or may have been stored in the memory 170. Theaudio data may be output during modes such as a signal reception mode, acall mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcastreception mode, and the like. The audio output module 152 can provideaudible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signalreception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by themobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may also be implementedas a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various tactileeffects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise experience. A typicalexample of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 isvibration. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generatedby the haptic module 153 can be controlled by user selection or settingby the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may outputdifferent vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate various othertactile effects, including an effect by stimulation such as a pinarrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a spray force or suctionforce of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a touch to theskin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, an effect byreproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that canabsorb or generate heat, and the like.

The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the user to feela tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as the user's fingersor arm, as well as transferring the tactile effect through directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to theparticular configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

An optical output module 154 can output a signal for indicating an eventgeneration using light of a light source. Examples of events generatedin the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signalreception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an emailreception, information reception through an application, and the like.

A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be implemented insuch a manner that the mobile terminal emits monochromatic light orlight with a plurality of colors. The signal output may be terminated asthe mobile terminal senses that a user has checked the generated event,for example.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external devices to beconnected with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit160 can receive data transmitted from an external device, receive powerto transfer to elements and components within the mobile terminal 100,or transmit internal data of the mobile terminal 100 to such externaldevice. The interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headsetports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,or the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various informationfor authenticating authority of using the mobile terminal 100 and mayinclude a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module(SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Inaddition, the device having the identification module (also referred toherein as an “identifying device”) may take the form of a smart card.Accordingly, the identifying device can be connected with the terminal100 via the interface unit 160.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external cradle, theinterface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradleto be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or may serve as a passage toallow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to betransferred to the mobile terminal there through. Various commandsignals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals forrecognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of thecontroller 180 and store input/output data (for example, phonebook,messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory 170 may store datarelated to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output inresponse to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage mediumsincluding a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk, a silicondisk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DXmemory, etc), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random AccessMemory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory(PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and thelike. The mobile terminal 100 may also be operated in relation to anetwork storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170 over a network, such as the Internet.

The controller 180 may typically control the general operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may set or releasea lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control commandwith respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meetsa preset condition.

The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and processingassociated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and thelike, or perform pattern recognition processing to recognize ahandwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively. In addition, thecontroller 180 can control one or a combination of those components inorder to implement various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power or provide internalpower and supply the appropriate power required for operating respectiveelements and components included in the mobile terminal 100. The powersupply unit 190 may include a battery, which is typically rechargeableor be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The connectionport may be configured as one example of the interface unit 160 to whichan external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery iselectrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured torecharge the battery in a wireless manner without use of the connectionport. In this example, the power supply unit 190 can receive power,transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at leastone of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic inductionor a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based onelectromagnetic resonance.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar mediumusing, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the mobile terminal 100 is describedwith reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the mobile terminal100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of differentconfigurations. Examples of such configurations include watch-type,clip-type, glasses-type, or as a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type,swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combinedwith each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinationsthereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type ofmobile terminal (for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, andthe like). However, such teachings with regard to a particular type ofmobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminalsas well.

The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for example,frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of theterminal.

In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case 101 and a rearcase 102. Various electronic components are incorporated into a spaceformed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least onemiddle case may be additionally positioned between the front case 101and the rear case 102.

The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of the terminalbody to output information. As illustrated, a window 151 a of thedisplay unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form the frontsurface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some embodiments, electronic components may also be mounted to therear case 102. Examples of such electronic components include adetachable battery 191, an identification module, a memory card, and thelike. Rear cover 103 is shown covering the electronic components, andthis cover may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore,when the rear cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, theelectronic components mounted to the rear case 102 are externallyexposed.

As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102,a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially exposed. In some cases,upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may also be completely shielded bythe rear cover 103. In some embodiments, the rear cover 103 may includean opening for externally exposing a camera 121 b or an audio outputmodule 152 b.

The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding syntheticresin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS),aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form aninner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal 100 may beconfigured such that one case forms the inner space. In this example, amobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a manner thatsynthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

If desired, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit(not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body.For example, the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing memberwhich is located between the window 151 a and the front case 101,between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rearcase 102 and the rear cover 103, to hermetically seal an inner spacewhen those cases are coupled.

The mobile terminal 100 may be provided with the display unit 151, the1^(st) audio output unit 152 a, the 2^(nd) audio output unit 152 b, theproximity sensor 141, the illumination sensor 142, the light output unit154, the 1^(st) camera 121 a, the 2^(nd) camera 121 b, the 1^(st)manipulating unit 123 a, the 2^(nd) manipulating unit 123 b, themicrophone 122, the interface unit 160, and the like.

FIGS. 1B and 1C depict certain components as arranged on the mobileterminal.

However, it is to be understood that alternative arrangements arepossible and within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Somecomponents may be omitted or rearranged. For example, the firstmanipulation unit 123 a may be located on another surface of theterminal body, and the second audio output module 152 b may be locatedon the side surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 outputs information processed in the mobileterminal 100. The display unit 151 may be implemented using one or moresuitable display devices.

Examples of such suitable display devices include a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD),an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a3-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, and combinations thereof.

The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display devices, whichcan implement the same or different display technology. For instance, aplurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side, eitherspaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, orthese devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which senses atouch input received at the display unit. When a touch is input to thedisplay unit 151, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touchand the controller 180, for example, may generate a control command orother signal corresponding to the touch. The content which is input inthe touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu itemwhich can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touchpattern, disposed between the window 151 a and a display on a rearsurface of the window 151 a, or a metal wire which is patterned directlyon the rear surface of the window 151 a. Alternatively, the touch sensormay be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensormay be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.

The display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together with thetouch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit123 (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least someof the functions of the first manipulation unit 123 a.

The first audio output module 152 a may be implemented in the form of aspeaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audioreproduction, and the like.

The window 151 a of the display unit 151 will typically include anaperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be released along anassembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap betweenthe window 151 a and the front case 101). In this case, a holeindependently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or isotherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying theappearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal 100.

The optical output module 154 can be configured to output light forindicating an event generation. Examples of such events include amessage reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, aschedule notice, an email reception, information reception through anapplication, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event,the controller can control the optical output unit 154 to stop the lightoutput.

The first camera 121 a can process image frames such as still or movingimages obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video callmode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in the memory 170.

The first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b are examples ofthe user input unit 123, which may be manipulated by a user to provideinput to the mobile terminal 100. The first and second manipulationunits 123 a and 123 b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulatingportion, and may employ any tactile method that allows the user toperform manipulation such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. The firstand second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may also employ anynon-tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such asproximity touch, hovering, or the like.

FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123 a as a touch key,but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touchkey, and combinations thereof.

Input received at the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123b may be used in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit123 a may be used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key,cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit 123 b maybe used by the user to provide an input to control a volume level beingoutput from the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, toswitch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.

As another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (notshown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rearinput unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobileterminal 100. The input may be used in a variety of different ways. Forexample, the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an inputfor power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being outputfrom the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, switch toa touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, and the like. The rearinput unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, orcombinations thereof.

The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit 151 ofthe front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As oneexample, the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion ofthe rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easilymanipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal bodywith one hand. Alternatively, the rear input unit can be positioned atmost any location of the rear side of the terminal body.

Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or allof the functionality of the first manipulation unit 123 a in the rearinput unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display unit 151 can have a largerscreen.

As a further alternative, the mobile terminal 100 may include a fingerscan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller 180 canthen use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor aspart of an authentication procedure. The finger scan sensor may also beinstalled in the display unit 151 or implemented in the user input unit123.

The microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal100, but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphonesmay be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving ofstereo sounds.

The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal100 to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit160 may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting toanother device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or thelike), a port for near field communication (for example, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, andthe like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobileterminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of asocket for accommodating an external card, such as SubscriberIdentification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memorycard for information storage.

The second camera 121 b is shown located at the rear side of theterminal body and includes an image capturing direction that issubstantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the firstcamera unit 121 a. If desired, second camera 121 a may alternatively belocated at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have adifferent image capturing direction from that which is shown.

The second camera 121 b can include a plurality of lenses arranged alongat least one line. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in amatrix configuration. The cameras may be referred to as an “arraycamera.” When the second camera 121 b is implemented as an array camera,images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lensesand images with better qualities.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a flash 124 is shown adjacent to the second camera121 b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 121 b, theflash 124 may illuminate the subject.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the second audio output module 152 b can be locatedon the terminal body. The second audio output module 152 b may implementstereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio outputmodule 152 a, and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone modefor call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on theterminal body. The antenna may be installed in the terminal body orformed by the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part ofthe broadcast receiving module 111 may be retractable into the terminalbody. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed using a film attached toan inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case that includes aconductive material.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100may include a battery 191, which is mounted in the terminal body ordetachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body. The battery 191may receive power via a power source cable connected to the interfaceunit 160.

Also, the battery 191 can be recharged in a wireless manner using awireless charger. Wireless charging may be implemented by magneticinduction or electromagnetic resonance.

The rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for shieldingthe battery 191, to prevent separation of the battery 191, and toprotect the battery 191 from an external impact or from foreignmaterial. When the battery 191 is detachable from the terminal body, therear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending thefunctions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be provided on the mobileterminal 100. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch forcovering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal100 may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the displayunit 151 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100. Anotherexample of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending atouch input to a touch screen. Meanwhile, according to the presentinvention, it is able to display information processed by the mobileterminal using a flexible display. This is described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings as follows.

In accordance with still further embodiments, a mobile terminal may beconfigured as a device which is wearable on a human body. Such devicesgo beyond the usual technique of a user grasping the mobile terminalusing their hand. Examples of the wearable device include a smart watch,a smart glass, a head mounted display (HMD), and the like.

A typical wearable device can exchange data with (or cooperate with)another mobile terminal 100. In such a device, the wearable devicegenerally has functionality that is less than the cooperating mobileterminal. For instance, the short-range communication module 114 of amobile terminal 100 may sense or recognize a wearable device that isnear-enough to communicate with the mobile terminal. In addition, whenthe sensed wearable device is a device which is authenticated tocommunicate with the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 maytransmit data processed in the mobile terminal 100 to the wearabledevice via the short-range communication module 114, for example. Hence,a user of the wearable device can use the data processed in the mobileterminal 100 on the wearable device. For example, when a call isreceived in the mobile terminal 100, the user can answer the call usingthe wearable device. Also, when a message is received in the mobileterminal 100, the user can check the received message using the wearabledevice.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one example of a watch-typemobile terminal 300 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the watch-type mobile terminal 300 includes amain body 301 with a display unit 351 and a band 302 connected to themain body 301 to be wearable on a wrist. In general, mobile terminal 300may be configured to include features that are the same or similar tothat of mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.

The main body 301 may include a case having a certain appearance. Asillustrated, the case may include a first case 301 a and a second case301 b cooperatively defining an inner space for accommodating variouselectronic components. Other configurations are possible. For instance,a single case may alternatively be implemented, with such a case beingconfigured to define the inner space, thereby implementing a mobileterminal 300 with a uni-body.

The watch-type mobile terminal 300 can perform wireless communication,and an antenna for the wireless communication can be installed in themain body 301. The antenna may extend its function using the case. Forexample, a case including a conductive material may be electricallyconnected to the antenna to extend a ground area or a radiation area.

The display unit 351 is shown located at the front side of the main body301 so that displayed information is viewable to a user. In someembodiments, the display unit 351 includes a touch sensor so that thedisplay unit can function as a touch screen. As illustrated, window 351a is positioned on the first case 301 a to form a front surface of theterminal body together with the first case 301 a.

The illustrated embodiment includes audio output module 352, a camera321, a microphone 322, and a user input unit 323 positioned on the mainbody 301. When the display unit 351 is implemented as a touch screen,additional function keys may be minimized or eliminated. For example,when the touch screen is implemented, the user input unit 323 may beomitted.

The band 302 is commonly worn on the user's wrist and may be made of aflexible material for facilitating wearing of the device. As oneexample, the band 302 may be made of fur, rubber, silicon, syntheticresin, or the like. The band 302 may also be configured to be detachablefrom the main body 301. Accordingly, the band 302 may be replaceablewith various types of bands according to a user's preference.

In one configuration, the band 302 may be used for extending theperformance of the antenna. For example, the band may include therein aground extending portion (not shown) electrically connected to theantenna to extend a ground area.

The band 302 may include fastener 302 a. The fastener 302 a may beimplemented into a buckle type, a snap-fit hook structure, a Velcro®type, or the like, and include a flexible section or material. Thedrawing illustrates an example that the fastener 302 a is implementedusing a buckle.

Further preferred embodiments will be described in more detail withreference to additional drawing figures. It is understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present features can be embodied in severalforms without departing from the characteristics thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, proposed is amethod of controlling an external terminal more intuitively andeffectively using a mobile terminal 300 of a watch type. Hereinafter,the mobile terminal 300 of the watch type shall be named a watchterminal 300. On example of the external terminal may include one of aPC, a laptop, an air conditioner, a refrigerator and the like handed inthe accompanying drawings, by which the external terminal isnon-limited. Particularly, it is proposed to designate a mobile terminalto control using a rotation of the watch terminal 300. This designatingmethod can help to designate an external, which is to be controlled,when a plurality of external terminals exist. Moreover, if operations ina plurality of modes including a 1^(st) operating mode for controllingan external terminal, a 2^(nd) operating mode (or, a mode of having abutton for controlling an external terminal) for controlling a functionof a watch terminal 300 itself and the like are possible, it isadvantageous in that the operating modes can be intuitively switched toeach other. This is described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawing as follows.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for a control method of detecting a rotation of awatch terminal 300 and then switching one operating mode to anotheroperating mode based on a result of the detection according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, in a step S301, the controller 180 is paired withat least one external terminal. In this case, since the paring justmeans a state that a preset procedure for enabling data to betransceived with an external terminal has been performed, embodiments ofthe present invention shall not be limited by the terminology ‘paring(or paired)’.

Particularly, according to one embodiment of the present invention, astate that a pairing with a prescribed external terminal has beenperformed is entered. Yet, a state that a pairing with a plurality ofexternal terminals has been performed may be entered.

In a step S302, the controller 180 can detect a rotation of the watchterminal 300.

Using a result of the detected rotation, it is able to switch operatingmodes to each other or to designate an external terminal to controlamong a plurality of paired external terminals.

In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, itis able to switch modes to each other or to designate a specificexternal terminal depending on a fact that a specific axis of the watchterminal 300 faces a prescribed direction as well as to simply detect anangle of the rotation of the watch terminal 300. For instance, a laserpointer is provided to a prescribed location on the watch terminal 300.An external terminal indicated by the laser pointer can be designated.If the laser pointer faces a prescribed region, a 1^(st) operating modecan be entered. If the laser pointer faces another region, a 2^(nd)operating mode can be entered. The laser pointer provided configurationshall be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 as follows.Moreover, the laser pointer may be activated or deactivatedautomatically in response to an inter-mode switching.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for one example of a laser pointer providedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, it is proposed to provide a laser pointer 401 to a stem of awatch terminal 300. Although a stem of a general watch is used to adjustan hour or date, various control inputs can be performed throughrotations of the stem of the watch terminal 300. When the watch terminal300 is worn, the stem of the watch terminal 300 is generally provided ina hand direction for facilitation of use. For the facilitation in usingthe laser pointer, it is necessary for an applied direction of a laser402 to be the same direction.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the laserpointer may not be provided. Such an embodiment shall be described indetail later.

The laser pointer is generally used to point at a specific point on ascreen in giving a presentation. If the laser pointer faces a location(particularly, audience) other than the screen, it is preferable thatthe laser is not shot. The reason for this is that applying a laser beamto human eyes in direct may cause the failing of eyesight or the loss ofsight. Hence, according to one embodiment of the present invention, afollowing operation is proposed. First of all, a location of a screen isdetermined. Secondly, a case of facing the determined location of thescreen is distinguished from a case of failing to face the determinedlocation of the screen. In particular, a 1^(st) operating mode(hereinafter named a direct control mode) for performing a function ofactivating a laser pointer, a function of outputting a control cursor toa screen, a function of controlling a screen outputted through a screenand the like in case of facing a screen region is proposed to bedistinguished from a 2^(nd) operating mode (hereinafter named a remotemode) for controlling an external terminal using a button outputtedthrough a touchscreen 351 of a watch terminal 300 in case of facing aregion other than the screen region.

Such an embodiment is described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 as follows.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams for a control method of determining alocation of a screen based on a rotational angle of a watch terminal 300according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 (a), a laser 402 is currently applied toward aprescribed point 503 of a screen 501. If a watch terminal 300 is able todetermine a screen ending point, when the watch terminal 300 is rotatedover the screen ending point, it may be able to deactivate a laserpointer. In particular, as the watch terminal 300 is rotated, if adirection of applying the laser 402 deviates from a boundary 502-1 or502-2 of a direction of the screen 501, the controller 180 is able todeactivate the laser pointer.

FIG. 5 (b) is a conceptional diagram to indicate a boundary in responseto a rotation of a reference axis of the watch terminal 300. The watchterminal 300 may be able to detect a rotation in a direction 506 facedby the reference axis (e.g., a direction of applying the laser 402). Thewatch terminal 300 may be able to actually operate using such areference axis but may become a conceptional reference only.

If the laser 402 is rotated to face a region between the two boundaries502-1 and 502-2 shown in FIG. 5 (a), the reference axis direction 506shown in FIG. 5 (b) may be located in an activated region 504. Inparticular, by detecting the rotation of the watch terminal 300, it maybe able to whether the reference axis direction 506 faces the screen. Ifthe reference axis direction 506 is determined as facing the screen, thewatch terminal 300 can activate the laser pointer. A control method ofsetting an activated region 504 and a deactivated region 505 shall bedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 later.

In the following description, a case of pointing at a point other than ascreen is described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

As mentioned in the foregoing description, a laser should not be shotfrom a laser pointer toward audience. Therefore, according to oneembodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, if a laserpointer deviates from a screen, it is able to deactivate the laserpointer.

Referring to FIG. 6 (a), a laser 402 is currently applied toward aprescribed point 601 other than a screen 501. As a watch terminal 300 isrotated, if a direction of applying the laser 402 deviates from aboundary 502-1 or 502-2 of a direction of the screen 501, as shown inthe drawing, the controller 180 is able to deactivate a laser pointer.

Like FIG. 5 (b), FIG. 6 (b) is a conceptional diagram to indicate aboundary in response to a rotation of a reference axis of the watchterminal 300. The watch terminal 300 may be able to detect a rotation ina direction 506 faced by the reference axis.

If the laser 402 is rotated to face a region outside the two boundaries502-1 and 502-2 shown in FIG. 6 (a), the reference axis direction 506shown in FIG. 6 (b) may be located in a deactivated region 505. If thereference axis direction 506 is determined as not facing the screen, thewatch terminal 300 can deactivate the laser pointer.

A method of setting rotation boundaries 502-1 and 502-2 forautomatically rotating a laser, i.e., a method of designating anactivated/deactivated region is described in detail with reference toFIG. 7 and FIG. 8 as follows.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for a method of designating an activated regionaccording to a 1^(st) embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment related to FIG. 7, it is proposed that a userdesignates start and end points of an activated region by rotating awatch terminal 300.

Referring to FIG. 7 (a), a user designates a start point of a region. Inparticular, when a laser 402 is applied to a right boundary 700-1 of ascreen 501, a user is able to designate a 1^(st) boundary 502-2 byapplying a touch 10 a to a start button.

As a watch terminal 300 is rotated, when the laser 402 is applied to aleft boundary 700-2 of the screen 501, the user can designate a 2^(nd)boundary 502-1 by touching a complete button 701.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG.7 (b), the watch terminal 300 can further display a rotation radiusindicator 702 indicating a radius of rotation of the watch terminal 300from the 1^(st) boundary 502-2. It will be convenient and easy for theuser to check a size of a set region by watching the rotation radiusindicator 702.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for a method of designating an activated regionaccording to a 2^(nd) embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, it is proposed to consider a 3-dimensional (3D)rotation, whereas a rotation radius in a 2-dimensional (2D) plane isconsidered only. In particular, it is proposed to designate top andbottom boundaries as well as the right and left boundaries. This isdescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing asfollows.

FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 8 (b) show a control method of designating a screenregion in front view of a screen 501. If a user designates 4 corners,the controller 180 may be able to set an activated region to an insideenclosed by the designated 4 corners.

Referring to FIG. 8 (a), if the user points a laser 402 at a 1^(st)corner 800-1 and then moves the laser 402 to a 2^(nd) corner 800-2 byrotating a watch terminal 300, the controller 180 is able to recognizethe 1^(st) corner 800-1 and the 2^(nd) corner 800-2 in turn.Subsequently, referring to FIG. 8 (b), if the user moves the laser topoint at a 3^(rd) corner 800-3 and a 4^(th) corner 800-4 in turn, thecontroller 180 may be able to recognize the 3^(rd) corner 800-3 and the4^(th) corner 800-4. Having recognized the 1^(st) to 4^(th) corners800-1 to 800-4, the controller 180 may be able to set an activatedregion to an inside enclosed by the corners.

Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present invention, as alocation of a user is moved, although a relative location of a screen ischanged, it is proposed to automatically change an activated regionusing the changed relative location. Such an embodiment is described indetail with reference to FIG. 9 as follows.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for a control method of changing an activated regionin response to a movement of a user location according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 9 (a) is a conceptional diagram of an activated region 901-1 and adeactivated region 902-1 set at a pre-movement location 900-1.

Generally, a presenter gives a presentation by freely moving in front ofa screen. If the presenter sets an activated region each time, it may beinconvenient. Hence, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, it is proposed to automatically change an activated region tofit a moved location.

If a location shown in FIG. 9 (a) is moved to a location 900-2 shown inFIG. 9 (b), a post-movement activated region 901-2 and a post-movementdeactivated region 902-2 are set. In particular, the watch terminal 300detects a moving direction of a user and a moving distance of the userthrough the sensing unit 140 and may be then able to calculate arelative location change of the screen using a result of the detection.If the change of the relative location is changed, a location of theactivated region may be reset automatically.

According to the above-described embodiment, after an activated regionand a deactivated region have been set in accordance with a rotation ofthe watch terminal 300, it is proposed to control activation of a laserpointer automatically in accordance with the setting. On the other hand,according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is proposedto controls an activation of a laser pointer in response to a user'scontrol command.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit140 of the watch terminal 300 is proposed to detect whether a usercloses or opens a fist. In particular, when a user wears the watchterminal 300 on a wrist of one of his hands, the sensing unit 140 isable to detect a case of closing a fist with the corresponding hand or acase of opening a list with the corresponding hand. One example of thesensing unit 140 configured to detect such cases may include a bloodflow rate detecting sensor. When a user closes a fist, a blood flow ratein a hand direction is reduced. If the blood flow rate is detectedthrough the watch terminal 300 worn on the wrist, it is able to detectwhether the user closes or opens a fist by detecting such a change ofthe blood flow rate.

Another example of the sensing unit 140 configured to detect the casesmay include a muscle detecting sensor. A configuration of muscles of auser's wrist may be changed in response to a case of closing or openinga fist. If the configuration of muscles of the wrist is detected throughthe watch terminal 300 worn on the wrist, it is able to detect whetherthe user closes or opens a fist by detecting such a change of theconfiguration of muscles.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed toactivate a laser pointer depending on whether a user closes or opens afist using one of the above-mentioned methods.

For instance, if a user opens a fist, the controller 180 can controlactivation of a laser pointer. For another instance, if a user closes afist, the controller 180 can control deactivation of a laser pointer.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for another example of switching a mode manuallyaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. According to anembodiment related to FIG. 10, if a user takes a gesture of checking awatch terminal 300, it is proposed to perform a switching betweenoperating modes.

Referring to FIG. 10 (a), while a user wears the watch terminal 300, theuser currently takes a comfortable posture (e.g., a posture of loweringan arm 1001 having the watch terminal 300 worn thereon). In doing so, ifthe user takes a gesture of checking the touchscreen 351 of the watchterminal 300 [FIG. 10 (c)] by raising the arm 1001 slowly [FIG. 10 (b)],the controller 180 can control a 1^(st) mode to be switched to a 2^(nd)mode.

For instance, while a laser pointer is in an activated state, if theabove-mentioned gesture is detected, the activated state of the laserpointer can be switched to a deactivated state.

The above-mentioned gesture may be determined based on each changepattern received through the gyroscope sensor provided to the sensingunit 140 of the watch terminal 300, by which the present embodiment maybe non-limited.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed tocontrol a feedback in accordance with an operating mode by fastening orunfastening a band 302. Such an embodiment is described in detail withreference to FIG. 11 as follows.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for an inter-mode switching feedback control methodaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an inter-modeswitching is performed manually or automatically. Hence, a feedbackindicating whether the switching is correctly performed is requested.Hence, according to one embodiment of the present invention it isproposed to give the feedback by controlling a fastening of the band302.

Referring to FIG. 11 (a), if an activated mode is entered, thecontroller 180 controls the band 302 to be unfastened.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 11 (b), if a deactivated mode isentered, the controller 180 controls the band 302 to be fastened.

Hence, depending on how much the band 302 is fastened, it isadvantageous in that a user can determine which mode is entered for thecorresponding operation.

A method of controlling a laser pointer according to one embodiment ofthe present invention is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12to 18 as follows.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for a control method of activating a laser pointeraccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to the above-described embodiment, it is proposed that thelaser pointer is automatically activated in response to a rotation ofthe watch terminal 300. On the other hand, according to an embodiment inthe following description, it is proposed to switch an operating modeonly. In particular, although a laser pointer can operate in 1^(st)operating mode (i.e., direct control mode) in response to a controlcommand according to one of FIGS. 12 to 18, the laser pointer may notoperate in 2^(nd) operating mode (i.e., remote mode) in response to thecontrol command. In more particular, for example, if a user rotates thewatch terminal 300 to face a screen direction, it is able to controlactivation/deactivation of the laser pointer. Yet, if the watch terminalfaces an audience direction, it is proposed that the control of thelaser pointer becomes impossible. Instead, it may be able to providedifferent functions other than the control of the laser pointer. Thedifferent functions shall be described in detail later.

FIG. 12 (a) is a diagram of a state that a user opens a fist in 1^(st)operating mode switched by a rotation of the watch terminal 300according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the 1^(st)operating mode, if a user takes a gesture (cf. FIG. 12 (b)) ofindicating by unfolding a prescribed finger (e.g., an index finger,etc.), the controller 180 is proposed to activate the laser pointer. Inparticular, it is proposed to control the activation of the laserpointer by an intuitive gesture using a hand having the watch terminal300 worn thereon.

A user's gesture of folding or unfolding finger(s) may be detected bythe sensing unit 140. Like the above-mentioned gesture ofclosing/opening a fist, a change of a blood flow rate or muscle, whichvaries on unfolding or folding finger(s) using the blood flow ratesensor or the muscle sensor, is detected and it is then able to detect agesture of unfolding or folding the finger(s) using the detection of thechange.

According to an embodiment mentioned in the following description, whilethe watch terminal 300 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention is connected to an external terminal, it is proposed tocontrol the external terminal by a user's gesture. In particular, it isable to transmit a control signal to the external terminal by the user'sgesture.

To this end, the watch terminal 300 may be connected (or paired) withthe external terminal in a data communication enabled state.

In the following description, a control command is described in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for a control method of inputting a click commandto an external terminal using a finger gesture according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment related to FIG. 13, it is proposed that auser performs a click of a mouse of a personal computer or laptopconnected as an external terminal using a user's gesture of twitching afinger (e.g., an index finger 1301 shown in FIG. 13 (b)).

Particularly, a clicked location is important for a mouse click.According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed toclick a location indicated by a laser 402. In particular, the externalterminal receives both a clicked location information and a clickcontrol signal from the watch terminal 300 and may be then able toperform a mouse click on a place mapped to the corresponding locationinformation based on the received signal.

If the click mentioned in the description of the embodiment withreference to FIG. 13 is mapped to a left click of a mouse, it may beable to perform a right click using another finger.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for a control method of inputting a right clickcommand to an external terminal using a finger gesture according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment related to FIG. 14, it is proposed totransmit a right click control signal using a finger (e.g., a middlefinger) other than a finger (e.g., an index finger) used for a leftmouse click.

Referring to FIG. 14 (a), a user is inputting a gesture 1401 oftwitching a finger using a middle finger. If the finger gesture isdetected, the controller 180 can transmit a right click control signalto a location (denoted by a reference number 1402 shown in FIG. 14 (b))indicated by a laser 402.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for a control method of inputting a scroll controlcommand to a paired external terminal (e.g., a personal computer, etc.)according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment described with reference to FIG. 15 (a),proposed is a control method of transmitting a scroll-down command to anexternal terminal using a gesture 1501 of bending a wrist downward byfolding two fingers through a hand having the watch terminal 300 wornthereon.

According to an embodiment described with reference to FIG. 15 (b),proposed is a control method of transmitting a scroll-up command to anexternal terminal using a gesture 1502 of bending a wrist upward byfolding two fingers through a hand having the watch terminal 300 wornthereon.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for a control method of inputting a previous/nextpage command to a paired external terminal (e.g., a personal computer,etc.) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment described with reference to FIG. 16 (a),proposed is a control method of transmitting a previous page command toan external terminal using a gesture 1601 of pushing left by opening afist through a hand having the watch terminal 300 worn thereon.

According to an embodiment described with reference to FIG. 16 (b),proposed is a control method of transmitting a next page command to anexternal terminal using a gesture 1601 of pushing right by opening afist through a hand having the watch terminal 300 worn thereon.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, proposed is amethod of changing a type of a laser pointer using a user's gestureonly.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for a control method of changing a type of a laserpointer based on a gesture according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 17 (a) to 17 (c), a user currently wears the watchterminal 300 on a wrist. Referring to FIG. 17 (a), a laser pointer of a1^(st) type is outputted. If a gesture 1 bending the wrist upward isinputted, the controller 180 detects the inputted gesture 1702 and isthen able to change the laser pointer of the 1^(st) type into a 2^(nd)type [FIG. 17 (c)].

For instance, the 2^(nd) type includes a highlight type and may includea type of outputting a laser of fluorescent color series. Thus,according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is able toeasily switch an output type of a laser pointer using an intuitive andsimple gesture of a user.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for an underlining control method using a laserpointer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18 (a), a laser pointer provided to a watch terminal300 is pointing at a screen 501. And, a prescribed text data iscurrently outputted through the screen 501.

If a user inputs a prescribed gesture (e.g., a gesture 1801 of folding afinger shown in FIG. 18 (b)), the controller 180 can highlight a textalong a path of the laser pointer. In particular, the controller 180 cangive a highlight effect by sending a signal for controlling an externalterminal.

As mentioned in the foregoing description with reference to FIG. 17, incase of changing a type of a laser pointer, referring to FIG. 18 (c) andFIG. 18 (d), the controller 180 can substitute the highlight effect withan underlining effect.

According to the descriptions with reference to FIGS. 12 to 18, controlmethods corresponding to a direct control mode are described. In thefollowing description, a control method available in remote mode isdescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for one example of a control button outputted inremote mode according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19 (a), the watch terminal 300 is outputting examplesof at least one control button or at least one indicator through thetouchscreen 351. One example of the control button or the indicator isdescribed as follows.

First of all, the watch terminal 300 may output a current time 1901 andan indicator 1904 indicating an elapse time after the start of thepresentation in remote mode. The watch terminal 300 may be able tofurther output a button 1906-2 for resetting the elapse time and abutton 1906-1 for stopping the elapse time.

Assuming that a presentation is currently made in a state that apresentation material is displayed on a screen, a user may desire tocheck a page of a currently displayed form document among totalpresentation form documents. Hence, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention, it is proposed to output a counting indicator 1902indicating a location of the current form document among total formdocuments. The counting indicator 1902 may be represented as ‘currentform document page/total form document pages’. Moreover, it is proposedto further output a progress indicator 1903 indicating a progress statusof a current form document among total form documents. Preferably, theprogress indicator 1903 may be outputted to a rim of the touchscreen351. In this case, the rim may have a shape of a circle. It may be ableto output a progress extent at a rate of a currently progressive formdocument in a manner of progressing clockwise in total 360 degrees.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, as mentioned inthe foregoing description, it is proposed to further output a button forcontrolling a connected external terminal (e.g., a personal computercurrently outputting a screen, etc.) as well as the indicator indicatinga progress status of a current presentation.

In particular, it is able to further output a previous button 1905-1 formoving to a previous form document from a current form document and anext button 1905 for moving to a next form document from the currentform document.

Moreover, the present invention further proposes a control method ofdirectly moving to a desired form document as well as the control methodof moving to the previous/next form document. For instance, if an inputof touching the counting indicator 1902 is received in FIG. 19 (a), thecontroller 180 can further output a form document list 1902. If aprescribed numeral is touched from the form document list 1902, thecontroller 180 may control the external terminal to directly move to theform document mapped to the touched numeral.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it isproposed to provide a user with a more effective screen. Particularly,when a presentation is given, it is important to adjust a presentationtime not to exceed a prepared time. A function for helping thisadjustment is described in detail with reference to FIG. 20 as follows.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for a control method of assisting a presentationtime to be adjusted according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 20 (a), as mentioned in the foregoing description withreference to FIG. 19, a progress indicator 1903 is currently outputted.According to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 20, it isproposed to further output a time elapse indicator 2001 indicating acurrent elapse time for a set target time.

The time elapse indicator 2001 can progress along a rim of thetouchscreen 351 like the progress indicator 1903. In accordance with acurrent elapse time over a total target time, the time elapse indicator2001 can be moved along the rim.

Moreover, in case that the time elapse indicator 2001 is ahead of theprogress indicator 1903 indicating a progress extent of the presentation(i.e., the progress of the presentation is slow), it is able to furtheroutput a color changed progress indicator 1903′ and a color changed timeelapse indicator 2001′ for the warning.

In the following description, one example of a warning method in case ofexpiration of a target presentation time is explained in detail withreference to FIG. 21.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for a control method in case of an elapse of atarget presentation time according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

Generally, when a presentation is given, since limitation is put on apresentation time, if the presentation time expires, it is preferable toprovide an appropriate notification. Hence, according to one embodimentof the present invention, if a set target presentation time expires, itis proposed to output a guide message 2101. If a confirm button 2102-2is selected, it is able to stop a guide message output through thetouchscreen 151 in direct. If a cancel button 2102 is selected, as shownin FIG. 21 (b), it is able to output a screen for an excessivepresentation.

When the excessive presentation is given, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. It is proposed to output an overtime progressindicator 2103 configured to progress in a direction opposite to aprogressing direction of a progress indicator 1903. In doing so, likethe progress indicator 1903, the overtime progress indicator 2103 may bepreferably able to progress counterclockwise along a rim of thetouchscreen 351.

And, the controller 180 may be able to further display what time theovertime is together with the overtime progress indicator 2103.

According to the above-described embodiment, it is proposed to switch amode by detecting a rotation of the watch terminal 300. According to anembodiment mentioned in the following description, it is proposed toswitch a mode based on a distance between a watch terminal 300 and akeyboard 2201.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for a control method of switching a mode based on adistance from a keyboard according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

Generally, since it is difficult to distinguish a case for a user to usean air mouse using a watch terminal 300 from a case for a user to typeusing a keyboard 2201, the air mouse malfunctions frequently. Hence,according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed toswitch a keyboard use mode (i.e., a 1^(st) mode), a mouse use mode(i.e., a 2^(nd) mode) and a laser pointer use mode (i.e., a 3^(rd) mode)to one another based on a distance from a keyboard 2201.

Referring to FIG. 22, if a distance from a keyboard is a closestlocation A, the controller 180 operates in keyboard mode for using thekeyboard. If a distance from a keyboard is a location B amounting to anintermediate distance, the controller 180 can operate by switching to amouse mode. Finally, if a distance from a keyboard is a farthestlocation C, the controller 180 may operate in laser pointer mode.

Meanwhile, in case of the mouse mode, it may not be appropriate to besimultaneously used together with a basic function of a watch terminal300. Hence, a control method for facilitating a switching to a basicfunction of a watch terminal 300 is described in detail with referenceto FIG. 23 as follows.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for a control method of switching a mouse mode anda basic mode to each other according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

As mentioned in the foregoing description, it may not be appropriate touse a basic function of a watch terminal 300 in mouse mode. The reasonfor this is that a mouse cursor may be moved in response to a movementof the watch terminal 300.

Hence, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it isproposed to switch a basic mode, which is a mode of a general accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, and the above-mentionedmouse mode to each other by a most effective method.

Referring to FIG. 23, if a gesture 2301 of turning over a hand having awatch terminal 300 worn thereon is inputted, the controller 180 canswitch a mouse mode and a basic mode to each other by toggling. Forinstance, if a gesture is inputted once, a mouse mode is entered. If thegesture is inputted again, the mouse mode can be switched to a basicmode again.

The turn-over gesture is just one example, by which the presentembodiment is non-limited.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned mouse mode may include a type of using aproximity sensor or the like by putting a general mobile terminal 100 ona floor as well as a type of an air mouse using a watch terminal 300.Such an embodiment is described in detail with reference to FIG. 24 asfollows.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for a control method of running a mouse mode usinga mobile terminal 100 of a general bar type according to one embodimentof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 24, the sensing unit 140 provided to a front side ofthe mobile terminal 100 may detect a motion 2202 of a hand (e.g., a fistin the drawing) in the front air in case of using a proximity sensor orthe like. Hence, while the mobile terminal 100 is put on a floor, it maybe able to perform an air mouse function using the hand in the air.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, furtherproposed is a control method of facilitating a control of a left/rightclick available in mouse mode.

Generally, in case of using an air mouse using a watch terminal 300, itmay not be easy to distinguish a left click and a right click from eachother. According to one embodiment of the present invention, it isproposed to use a sound of tapping at a floor with a finger in order todistinguish a left click and a right click from each other.

A control method for registering a sound is described in detail withreference to FIG. 25 as follows.

FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are diagrams for a control method of distinguishingleft/right click using a sound/pattern of tapping at a floor with afinger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 25, in a step S2501, the controller 180 can output aguide text for a user to set up a left/right click. This guide text mayguide that a sound or pattern to be used in applying a left/right clickis required. In a step S2052, the controller 180 can request a sound orpattern for a left click.

If the sound or pattern is not accurately inputted, an input can berequested again [S2503].

If an analysis is accurately completed, it is able to output a guidetext indicating that the corresponding sound or pattern has been saved[S3504].

The above-mentioned steps are identically applicable to a right click[S2505 to S2507].

In a step S2508, it is able to output a text indicating that thesettings for both of the left click and the right click are complete. Inthe following description, a control method using a left/right click isdescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 26.

Referring to FIG. 26 (a), if the left click pattern/sound 2601-1registered by the procedure shown in FIG. 25 is inputted, the controller180 can perform the left click of an air mouse function.

Likewise, referring to FIG. 26 (b), if the right click pattern/sound2601-2 registered by the procedure shown in FIG. 25 is inputted, thecontroller 180 can perform the right click of the air mouse function.

In case of using a mobile terminal 100 of a general bar type, a controlmethod of distinguishing a left click and a right click from each otheris described in detail with reference to FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 as follows.

FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are diagrams for a control method of distinguishingleft/right click using a mobile terminal 100 of a bar type according toone embodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment related to FIG. 27, by determining that themobile terminal 100 is touched with which finger using the sensing unit140, it is proposed to distinguish a left click and a right click fromeach other based on a result of the determination.

Referring to FIG. 27, while the mobile terminal 100 is put on a floor,if the touchscreen 151 is touched with an index finger, the controller180 can determine that a left click is inputted.

Likewise, referring to FIG. 27, while the mobile terminal 100 is put ona floor, if the touchscreen 151 is touched with a middle finger, thecontroller 180 can determine that a right click is inputted.

In doing so, in order to determine the middle finger or the indexfinger, the controller 180 may detect and distinguish a proximatedistance of a corresponding finger, an intensity of light detectedthrough an illuminance sensor, or the like.

According to the embodiment related to FIG. 28, the touchscreen of themobile terminal 100 is partitioned in to a left touchscreen and a righttouchscreen. If the left touchscreen 151 is touched, a left click can beperformed. If the right touchscreen 151 is touched, a right click can beperformed.

So far, the control method in the mouse mode is described. In thefollowing description, a control method usable in the direct controlmode shall be further described.

According to the embodiments described with reference to FIG. 29 andFIG. 30, assume that the watch terminal 300 is paired with such adevice, which currently outputs a presentation data or the like, as apersonal computer, a laptop or the like.

FIGS. 29 to 31 are diagrams for a control method of moving to aprevious/next data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 29 (a), in response to an input 2901 of turning a rimof the watch terminal 300 clockwise/counterclockwise, it is proposed toturn a current data to a previous/next data.

Referring to FIG. 29 (b), in response to an input 2902 of turning a stemof the watch terminal 300 clockwise/counterclockwise, it is proposed toturn a current data to a previous/next data.

Meanwhile, the data moving is just one example, by which one embodimentof the present invention is non-limited.

Referring to FIG. 30, in response to a gesture of moving left to rightin the front air of the watch terminal 300, it is proposed to turn acurrent data to a next data.

In doing so, the sensing unit 140 provided to the front side of thewatch terminal 300 may be able to recognize the above gesture using aresult from a detection through the illuminance sensor and/or theproximity sensor.

On the other hand, in response to a gesture of moving right to left inthe front air of the watch terminal 300, it is proposed to turn acurrent data to a previous data.

Referring to FIG. 31, it is proposed to turn a page based on a tappattern 3101 (e.g., a knock pattern, a tapping pattern, etc.) inputtedthrough the touchscreen 351 of the watch terminal 300. In particular, ifa 1^(st) pattern is inputted, a current page may be turned to a nextpage. If a 2^(nd) pattern is inputted, a current page may be turned to aprevious page.

The aforementioned embodiments take the examples of the connections tothe personal computer that simply outputs presentation data, by whichthe present invention is non-limited. In the following description, oneexample of another connectible external terminal and functions inoperating mode shall be additionally described in detail.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for a control method of selecting a prescribedexternal terminal from a plurality of external terminals according toone embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention mentioned in thefollowing description, assume a case of being simultaneously paired witha plurality of external terminals. A control method of designating aspecific external terminal among a plurality of the paired externalterminals is described in detail as follows.

Referring to FIG. 32 (a), the watch terminal 300 is able to output aninformation, which indicates what is a currently designated externalterminal among a plurality of the currently paired external terminals,through the touchscreen 351. According to the example shown in thedrawing, the controller 180 is able to output an information 3201, whichindicates that the watch terminal 300 is currently connected to apersonal computer currently operating in PT mode, through thetouchscreen 351. If an input 10 b of flicking left/right is received,the controller 180 can output a screen 3202/3203 indicating a differentexternal terminal, whereby the corresponding external terminal can bedesignated.

Referring to FIG. 32 (b), a screen 3203 corresponding to a TV iscurrently outputted. In doing so, if an input of touching the screen3203 or an input 3204 of folding a finger is received, the controller180 may be able to designate a corresponding external terminal.

An operation in a specific external terminal designated state shall bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for switching a mode in a TV designated stateaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 33 (a), if a watch terminal 300 worn by a user 3300 isrotated toward a TV 3301, it may be able to operate in 1^(st) mode(i.e., direct control mode). Hence, a cursor 3302 is outputted throughthe TV 3301 and the outputted cursor 3302 can be controlled using thewatch terminal 300.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 33 (b), if the watch terminal 300worn by the user 3300 is rotated in a direction opposite to the TV 3301,it may be able to operate in 2^(nd) mode (i.e., remote mode). In theremote mode, the controller 180 may be able to output at least one ormore control buttons 3303-1 to 3305 for controlling the TV 3301.

If a channel switch button 3304-1/3304-2 is selected, the controller 180can transmit a control signal to enable the TV 3301 to switch a channel.If a volume adjust button 3303-1/3303-2 is selected, the controller 180may be able to transmit a control signal to enable the TV 3301 to adjusta volume.

If a function button 3305 is selected, the controller 180 can change amode of the TV 3301 or turn off a power of the TV 3301.

If a button is pushed by a user, a value changed by the pushed buttonmay be displayed at a center of the function button 3305.

In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, ifthe TV 3301 is faced, it is proposed that a mode is switched to enable adirect control by outputting the cursor through the TV 3301 itself. Ifthe TV 3301 is not faced, it is proposed to use the watch terminal 300as a remote controller. Such a control method is applicable to devicesof other types. This is described by taken an air conditioner as anexample with reference to FIG. 34 as follows.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for switching a mode in an air conditionerdesignated state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 34 (a), if a watch terminal 300 worn by a user 3300 isrotated toward an air conditioner 3401, it may be able to operate in1^(st) mode (i.e., direct control mode). Hence, a cursor 3402 isoutputted through a display 3400 of the air conditioner 3401 and theoutputted cursor 3402 can be controlled using the watch terminal 300.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 34 (b), if the watch terminal 300worn by the user 3300 is rotated in a direction opposite to the airconditioner 3401, it may be able to operate in 2^(nd) mode (i.e., remotemode). In the remote mode, the controller 180 may be able to output atleast one or more control buttons 3403-1 to 3405 for controlling the airconditioner 3401.

If a wind direction control button 3404-1/3404-2 is selected, thecontroller 180 can change a wind direction of the air conditioner 3401.If a wind strength adjust button 3403-1/3403-2 is selected, thecontroller 180 may be able to transmit a control signal to change a windstrength of the air conditioner 3401.

If a function button 3405 is selected, the controller 180 can change amode of the air conditioner 3401 or turn off a power of the airconditioner 3401.

If a button is pushed by a user, a value changed by the pushed buttonmay be displayed at a center of the function button 3405.

FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 are diagrams of functions applicable to eachexternal terminal and gestures for applying the corresponding functions.

Referring to FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, a TV 3301, an air conditioner 3401, arefrigerator 3504, a PC 3505 and a digital signage 3506 are taken asexamples. A gesture 3501 of opening and closing a fist, an air mousegesture 3502, a mouse click gesture 3503, a palm move gesture 3601, anda gesture 3602 of bending a wrist up and down are taken as examples ofgestures.

Depending on an external terminal to be controlled, it is apparent thatthe same functions or the different functions may be matched to eachother.

Meanwhile, the above-described function matching is just exemplary, bywhich the present invention is non-limited.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed tooutput a guide indicator for a gesture for running a function. Such anembodiment is described in detail with reference to FIG. 37 and FIG. 38as follows.

FIG. 37 is a diagram for a control method of outputting a guideindicator in a state that a TV 3301 is designated according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 37 (a), a guide indicator 3701 of a gesture mapped toa prescribed function of a TV 3301 is outputted through a prescribedregion of the TV 3301.

Such an indicator may be outputted through a watch terminal 300 [3702,3703] as well as through the TV 3301 [FIG. 37 (b)].

If a setting is changed by the gesture, the changed setting may beoutputted through the watch terminal 300 [3704, 3705].

FIG. 38 is a diagram for a control method of outputting a guideindicator in a state that an air conditioner 3302 is designatedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 38 (a), a guide indicator 3802 of a gesture mapped toa prescribed function of an air conditioner 3302 is outputted through adisplay 3801 of the air conditioner 3302.

Such an indicator may be outputted through a watch terminal 300 [3803,3804] as well as through the air conditioner 3302 [FIG. 38 (b)].

If a setting is changed by the gesture, the changed setting may beoutputted through the watch terminal 300 [3805, 3806].

Various embodiments may be implemented using a machine-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor toperform various methods presented herein. Examples of possiblemachine-readable mediums include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid StateDisk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, afloppy disk, an optical data storage device, the other types of storagemediums presented herein, and combinations thereof. If desired, themachine-readable medium may be realized in the form of a carrier wave(for example, a transmission over the Internet). The processor mayinclude the controller 180 of the mobile terminal.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects and/orfeatures.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, anexternal terminal to be controlled can be advantageously designatedthrough an intuitive gesture.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, adesignated external terminal can be effectively controlled.

The foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to beconsidered as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings canbe readily applied to other types of methods and apparatuses. Thisdescription is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scopeof the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods,and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described hereinmay be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternativeexemplary embodiments.

As the present features may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be considered broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fallwithin the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metesand bounds, are therefore intended to be embraced by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A watch terminal comprising: a memory; at leastone of a sensor; a touchscreen configured to receive a touch input froma user, wherein a rim of the touchscreen has a specific shape; awireless communication unit configured to pair with at least one of anexternal terminal; and a controller coupled to the memory, the at leastone of the sensor, the touchscreen and the wireless communication unit,wherein the controller is configured to: control the wirelesscommunication unit to transmit a control signal to a specific externalterminal currently operating in a presentation mode among the at leastone of the external terminal, control the touchscreen to output acounting indicator indicating a current page with a total page in thepresentation mode, control the touchscreen to output a circular progressindicator indicating a progress status of the current page among thetotal page on a circular rim of the touchscreen, and provide a warningfeedback when it exceeds a set target time during the presentation mode.2. The watch terminal of claim 1, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to control a cursor to be outputted through a display unit ofthe specific external terminal, and to control the outputted cursor tomove using the watch terminal.
 3. The watch terminal of claim 1, whereinthe controller is further configured to control the touchscreen tooutput a first button for moving to a previous page, a second button formoving to a next page and a third button for stopping an elapsed time.4. The watch terminal of claim 3, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to control the touchscreen to receive a first touch input toany one of the first button, the second button and the third button andto control the wireless communication unit to transmit the controlsignal corresponding to the first touch input to the specific externalterminal in response to the reception of the first touch input.
 5. Thewatch terminal of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configuredto control the touchscreen to receive a second touch input for selectingthe counting indicator and to control the touchscreen to output a pagelist in response to the reception of the second touch input.
 6. Thewatch terminal of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configuredto control the touchscreen to receive a third touch input for selectinga specific page on the page list and to control the specific externalterminal to display the selected specific page in response to thereception of the third touch input.
 7. A method of controlling a watchterminal, the method comprising: receiving, via a touchscreen, a touchinput from a user, wherein a rim of the touchscreen has a specificshape; pairing, via a wireless communication unit, with at least one ofan external terminal; controlling, via a controller, the wirelesscommunication unit to transmit a control signal to a specific externalterminal currently operating in a presentation mode among the at leastone of the external terminal; controlling, via the controller, thetouchscreen to output a counting indicator indicating a current pagewith a total page in the presentation mode; controlling, via thecontroller, the touch screen to output a circular progress indicatorindicating a progress status of the current page among the total page ona circular rim of the touchscreen; and providing, via the controller, awarning feedback when it exceeds a set target time during thepresentation mode.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:controlling, via the controller, a cursor to be outputted through adisplay unit of the specific external terminal; and controlling, via thecontroller, the outputted cursor to move using the watch terminal. 9.The method of claim 7, further comprising: controlling, via thecontroller, the touchscreen to output a first button for moving to aprevious page, a second button for moving to a next page and a thirdbutton for stopping an elapsed time.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: controlling, via the controller, the touchscreen to receivea first touch input to any one of the first button, the second buttonand the third button; and controlling, via the controller, the wirelesscommunication unit to transmit the control signal corresponding to thefirst touch input to the specific external terminal in response to thereception of the first touch input.
 11. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising: controlling, via the controller, the touchscreen to receivea second touch input for selecting the counting indicator; andcontrolling, via the controller, the touchscreen to output a page listin response to the reception of the second touch input.
 12. The methodof claim 11, further comprising: controlling, via the controller, thetouchscreen to receive a third touch input for selecting a specific pageon the page list; and controlling, via the controller, the specificexternal terminal to display the selected specific page in response tothe reception of the third touch input.